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MISL 2 Milwaukee Wave

Fans revel in Stars of Mexico appearance

February 13, 2007 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Milwaukee Wave News Release


MILWAUKEE, WI (Feb. 13, 2007) - Flakes fell. Salt and grime covered cars. Wind whipped down Kilbourn Avenue, plunging the wind chill to let's-take-a-vacation depths.

A February Tuesday in Milwaukee is nothing like a February Tuesday in Monterrey.

Yet inside the U.S. Cellular Arena, nearly 4,000 fans brought jerseys, noisemakers and digital cameras to support their south-of-the-border heroes in the Stars of Mexico's exhibition match with the Major Indoor Soccer League's Milwaukee Wave.

That the Wave won 16-2 was secondary to the experience of fans such as Rigo Gonzalez. He sat in the stands with a large contingent of family and friends, carrying signs in the red, white and green of his native country. He had seen Missael Espinoza, Adolfo Rios and other Mexican legends play club games at home, but Milwaukee was something different, more special.

Gonzalez works at a Milwaukee restaurant, and Monday morning his heroes were there eating and greeting. He was able to meet the group, talk with them and get autographs.

"They were friendly, nice to talk and take pictures," Gonzalez said.

Armada goalkeeper Jose Serna, who trained with the Stars during their time in Milwaukee, felt the same way. He happily recounted a practice exchange with "El Matador" Luis Hernandez, who playfully took three penalty kicks on Serna and boasted that he would make all three. Serna stopped two.

"It was a great feeling seeing these guys up close and personal," Serna said. "It was just like they were normal guys."

Connections like that for Milwaukee's Mexican-American community were what Tuesday's game was all about. Espinoza, Alberto Garcia Aspe, Luis Hernandez and Chima Ruiz took the field Tuesday in front of 3,969 fans; they are national team and World Cup legends in their home country. Also on the roster were Benjamin Galindo and J.J. Hernandez, who did not play due to injury, and Armada F.C. players Xavier Rico and Ramon "Choko" Alvarado, who did get on the field. Luis Hernandez injured a groin early in the game and was on the bench thereafter, but the others thrilled the crowds with moments of momentary brilliance.

Those moments were not enough, however, to have much impact on the Wave, the MISL's No. 1 scoring team on a five-game regular-season winning streak. The Wave scored within the first minute of the game, Joe Hammes on an assist from Greg Howes at the 34-second mark. Milwaukee quickly built a 6-0 lead.

Victor Quiroz scored the first goal for the Stars, but from that point the Wave totally controlled the match.

Milwaukee's two new additions gave Wave fans reason to be thrilled about the possibilities. Goran Vasic, a veteran midfield added this week, had a goal and an assist. Brett Phillips, the MISL's reigning Goalkeeper of the Year, stopped a shootout and had at a series of other spectacular saves.

Tuesday's game was broadcast live throughout Wisconsin on Time Warner Sports, and will be rebroadcast at 2 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Saturday.

Regular-season action resumes Saturday and Sunday in a series with the Baltimore Blast. The Wave (11-8) travel to First Mariner Arena at 6:05 p.m. Saturday; the broadcast can be heard on WISN 1130 AM. Sunday at 1:05 p.m., the Blast make a return trip to U.S. Cellular Arena. Tickets are available by calling (414) 224-9283, visiting www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

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Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from February 13, 2007


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